Boston Man Killed In Worcester 'Surge In Violence'

WORCESTER, MA — Worcester police Chief Steven Sargent sought to reassure city residents Monday after the latest shooting in the city claimed the life of a Boston man.

Worcester has seen a 31 percent increase in shootings this summer compared to a three-year average of incidents. Eighteen people have been injured in 17 shootings in recent weeks, Sargent said.

"While these statistics are alarming, I want to assure the Worcester community that the police department is committed to providing the resources needed to address recent shootings," Sargent said in a news release. "We are actively working with our partners to proactively address the violence that is occurring."

The latest happened at around 5:30 a.m. Monday when a 31-year-old man was shot multiple times in front of a home along King Street in the Main South area. Police did not immediately identify him, but said he wasn't known to authorities in Worcester.

Two other people died in shootings over the last month. A double-shooting at the Lakeside Apartments kicked off a violent month on July 3. Over the July 4 weekend, Joshua Lopez, 24, was shot during an argument along Almont Avenue. He later died.

The shootings continued, including one where a 3-year-old was injured after someone opened fire on a car near Crompton Park, and one at a McDonald's in the Main South neighborhood last Tuesday morning.

Sargent said police are targeting "crime hot spots" right now, and police leaders will meet with City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. this week to discuss other strategies.

"Last week, the city manager and his administration met with our department, the department of public health along with our Youth Violence Prevention Initiative partners to address concerns over the recent surge in violence," Sargent said. "Collaboratively, we are working together to develop a comprehensive plan to reduce violence both long-term and short-term."

Read more:

• 5 Shootings In Worcester During Overnight Hours
• Man, 19, Seriously Wounded In Main South Shooting
• Man, 20, Injured In Worcester Shooting Late Monday